Bracket apparatus and bracket assembly

ABSTRACT

A bracket apparatus for mounting a derailleur to a frame of a human-powered vehicle comprises a frame attachment portion, a derailleur attachment portion spaced apart from the frame attachment portion, and a component attachment portion spaced apart from the frame attachment portion and the derailleur attachment portion.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to a bracket apparatus and a bracketassembly.

Background Information

A human-powered vehicle includes a frame, a bracket, and a derailleur.The derailleur is mounted to the frame via the bracket. It is preferablethat the derailleur and another component can be mounted to the framewith a simplified structure.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bracketapparatus for mounting a derailleur to a frame of a human-poweredvehicle comprises a frame attachment portion, a derailleur attachmentportion spaced apart from the frame attachment portion, and a componentattachment portion spaced apart from the frame attachment portion andthe derailleur attachment portion.

With the bracket apparatus according to the first aspect, it is possibleto fasten a derailleur and a component to the frame via the frameattachment portion, the derailleur attachment portion, and the componentattachment portion. For example, it is possible to fasten the derailleurand the component to the frame via the frame attachment portion, thederailleur attachment portion, and the component attachment portionwhile design changes in the derailleur and/or the component are reducedor minimized.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bracketapparatus according to the first aspect is configured so that the frameattachment portion has a frame attachment opening configured to becoaxial with a hub axle of a hub assembly in a bracket mounting statewhere the bracket apparatus is mounted to the frame of the human-poweredvehicle.

With the bracket apparatus according to the second aspect, it ispossible to fasten the bracket apparat to the frame via the frameattachment portion. For example, since the frame attachment opening iscoaxial with the hub axle of the hub assembly, it is possible to fastenthe bracket apparat to the frame via the frame attachment portion whilea design change in the frame is reduced or minimized.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bracketapparatus according to the first or second aspect is configured so thatthe derailleur attachment portion has a derailleur attachment openingconfigured to be coaxial with a derailleur fastener in a derailleurmounting state where the derailleur is mounted to the bracket apparatus.

With the bracket apparatus according to the third aspect, it is possibleto fasten the derailleur to the frame using the derailleur attachmentopening and the derailleur fastener.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bracketapparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects isconfigured so that the component attachment portion has a componentattachment opening configured to be coaxial with a component fastener ina component mounting state where a component is mounted to the bracketapparatus.

With the bracket apparatus according to the fourth aspect, it ispossible to fasten the component to the frame using the componentattachment opening and the component fastener.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bracketapparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects isconfigured so that the component attachment portion is configured to beattached to an electric device.

With the bracket apparatus according to the fifth aspect, it is possibleto attach the electric device to the frame via the component attachmentportion.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bracketapparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects isconfigured so that the frame attachment portion is configured to be atleast partly disposed between the frame of the human-powered vehicle anda hub axle of a hub assembly in an axial direction with respect to acenter axis of the hub axle.

With the bracket apparatus according to the sixth aspect, it is possibleto attach the hub axle of the hub assembly to the frame via the frameattachment portion.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects isconfigured so that the component attachment portion is configured toform a space between the component attachment portion and the frame ofthe human-powered vehicle in a bracket mounting state where the bracketapparatus is mounted to the frame of the human-powered vehicle. At leastone of a component bracket configured to mount a component to thecomponent attachment portion and the component configured to be mountedto the component attachment portion is at least partly disposed in thespace in a component mounting state where the component is mounted tothe bracket apparatus.

With the bracket apparatus according to the seventh aspect, it ispossible to reliably attach the at least one of the component bracketand the component to the frame via the component attachment portion.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspectsis configured so that one of the derailleur attachment portion and thecomponent attachment portion is disposed on an opposite side of theother of the derailleur attachment portion and the component attachmentportion with respect to the frame attachment portion.

With the bracket apparatus according to the eighth aspect, it ispossible to take balance of the bracket apparatus about the frameattachment portion.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bracketapparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects furthercomprises a bracket body and a bracket fastener configured to fasten thebracket body to the frame of the human-powered vehicle.

With the bracket apparatus according to the ninth aspect, it is possibleto fasten the bracket body to the frame with the bracket fastener.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bracketapparatus according to the ninth aspect is configured so that thebracket fastener is configured to fasten the frame attachment portion tothe frame of the human-powered vehicle.

With the bracket apparatus according to the tenth aspect, it is possibleto reliably fasten the bracket body to the frame via the frameattachment portion.

In accordance with a eleventh aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to the ninth or tenth aspect is configuredso that the frame attachment portion includes a fastening threaded holeconfigured to be threadedly engaged with the bracket fastener.

With the bracket apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, it ispossible to attach the bracket fastener to the frame attachment portionwith a simplified structure.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to the eleventh aspect is configured so thatthe bracket fastener includes a receiving threaded hole configured to bethreadedly engaged with a fastening rod of a hub fastening deviceconfigured to fasten a hub assembly to the frame of the human-poweredvehicle.

With the bracket apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, it ispossible to support the fastening rod of the hub fastening device usingthe bracket fastener.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to the ninth or tenth aspect is configuredso that the frame attachment portion includes a fastening threaded holeconfigured to be threadedly engaged with the bracket fastener.

With the bracket apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, it ispossible to attach the bracket fastener to the frame attachment portionwith a simplified structure.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect is configured sothat the frame attachment portion includes a receiving threaded holeconfigured to be threadedly engaged with a fastening rod of a hubfastening device configured to fasten a hub assembly to the frame of thehuman-powered vehicle.

With the bracket apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, it ispossible to support the fastening rod of the hub fastening device usingthe frame attachment portion.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to the ninth or tenth aspect is configuredso that the bracket fastener includes a fastening threaded holeconfigured to be threadedly engaged with the frame attachment portion.The bracket fastener is configured to be at least partly providedoutside a through-hole of the frame in a bracket mounting state wherethe bracket apparatus is mounted to the frame of the human-poweredvehicle. The frame attachment portion extends through the through-holeof the frame.

With the bracket apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, it ispossible to easily attach the bracket fastener to the frame attachmentportion.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect is configured sothat the frame attachment portion includes a receiving threaded holeconfigured to be threadedly engaged with a fastening rod of a hubfastening device configured to fasten a hub assembly to the frame of thehuman-powered vehicle.

With the bracket apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, it ispossible to support the fastening rod of the hub fastening device usingthe frame attachment portion.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to any one of the ninth to sixteenth aspectsis configured so that the bracket body includes at least one of theframe attachment portion, the derailleur attachment portion, and thecomponent attachment portion.

With the bracket apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, it ispossible to utilize the bracket body as a member for providing the atleast one of the frame attachment portion, the derailleur attachmentportion, and the component attachment portion.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to any one of the ninth to seventeenthaspects is configured so that the bracket body includes a restrictionopening in which a restriction member is configured to be at leastpartly provided to restrict a rotation of the bracket body relative tothe frame of the human-powered vehicle in a bracket mounting state wherethe bracket apparatus is mounted to the frame of the human-poweredvehicle.

With the bracket apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect, it ispossible to restrict the rotation of the bracket body relative to theframe with a simplified structure.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect is configured sothat the restriction opening has a receiving center axis. The frameattachment portion has a frame attachment opening having a frameattachment center axis. The component attachment portion has a componentattachment opening having a component attachment center axis. Thereceiving center axis is provided between the frame attachment centeraxis and the component attachment center axis.

With the bracket apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, it ispossible to utilize, as an area for providing the restriction opening,an area provided between the frame attachment center axis and thecomponent attachment center axis.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect is configured sothat the restriction opening has a receiving center axis. The derailleurattachment portion has a derailleur attachment opening having aderailleur attachment center axis. The component attachment portion hasa component attachment opening having a component attachment centeraxis. The receiving center axis is provided between the derailleurattachment center axis and the component attachment center axis.

With the bracket apparatus according to the twentieth aspect, it ispossible to utilize, as an area for providing the restriction opening,an area provided between the derailleur attachment center axis and thecomponent attachment center axis.

In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect is configured sothat the restriction opening has a receiving center axis. The frameattachment portion has a frame attachment opening having a frameattachment center axis. The derailleur attachment portion has aderailleur attachment opening having a derailleur attachment centeraxis. The receiving center axis is provided between the frame attachmentcenter axis and the derailleur attachment center axis.

With the bracket apparatus according to the twenty-first aspect, it ispossible to utilize, as an area for providing the restriction opening,an area provided between the frame attachment center axis and thederailleur attachment center axis.

In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to any one of the first to twenty-firstaspects is configured so that the frame attachment portion is integrallyprovided with at least one of the derailleur attachment portion and thecomponent attachment portion as a one-piece unitary member.

With the bracket apparatus according to the twenty-second aspect, it ispossible to simplify the structure of the bracket apparatus.

In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to any one of the first to twenty-secondaspects is configured so that the frame attachment portion has a frameattachment opening having a frame attachment center axis. The derailleurattachment portion has a derailleur attachment opening having aderailleur attachment center axis. The component attachment portion hasa component attachment opening having a component attachment centeraxis. The frame attachment center axis, the derailleur attachment centeraxis, and the component attachment center axis are offset from eachother.

With the bracket apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect, it ispossible to improve flexibility of design of at least one of the frameattachment portion, the derailleur attachment portion, the componentattachment portion.

In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect is configured sothat the frame attachment center axis, the derailleur attachment centeraxis, and the component attachment center axis extend along each other.

With the bracket apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect, it ispossible to improve ease of assembly of the bracket apparatus sincedirections of the frame attachment center axis, the derailleurattachment center axis, and the component attachment center axis aresimilar to each other.

In accordance with a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to any one of the ninth to twenty-fourthaspects is configured so that the bracket body includes a first bracketbody and a second bracket body. The second bracket body is a separatemember from the first bracket body. The frame attachment portion isprovided to at least one of the first bracket body and the secondbracket body. The derailleur attachment portion is provided to at leastone of the first bracket body and the second bracket body.

With the bracket apparatus according to the twenty-fifth aspect, it ispossible to improve flexibility of arrangement of the bracket body.

In accordance with a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, thebracket apparatus according to any one of the ninth to twenty-fifthaspects is configured so that the bracket fastener includes a pluralityof fasteners configured to fasten the bracket body to the frame of thehuman-powered vehicle.

With the bracket apparatus according to the twenty-sixth aspect, it ispossible to improve flexibility of arrangement of the bracket fastener.

In accordance with a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, abracket assembly comprises the bracket apparatus according to any one ofthe first to twenty-sixth aspects and a component bracket configured tomount a component to the bracket apparatus.

With the bracket assembly according to the twenty-seventh aspect, it ispossible to mount the component to the frame via the bracket apparatus.

In accordance with a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, thebracket assembly according to the twenty-seventh aspect furthercomprises the component configured to be mounted to the bracketapparatus via the component bracket, the component including an electricdevice.

With the bracket assembly according to the twenty-eighth aspect, it ispossible to attach the component including the electric device to theframe via the component bracket and the bracket apparatus.

In accordance with a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, thebracket assembly according to the twenty-eighth aspect is configured sothat the component is configured to be adjustably attached to thebracket apparatus.

With the bracket assembly according to the twenty-ninth aspect, it ispossible to change a position of the component relative to the bracketapparatus.

In accordance with a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, thebracket assembly according to any one of the twenty-seventh totwenty-ninth aspects further comprises a component fastener configuredto fasten the component bracket to the bracket apparatus.

With the bracket assembly according to the thirtieth aspect, it ispossible to reliably fasten the component to the component bracket usingthe component fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bracket assembly in accordance with afirst embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly illustrated in FIG.1 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket assembly taken alongline III-III of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the bracket assembly illustrated inFIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket assembly taken alongline V-V of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket assembly taken alongline VI-VI of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket assembly taken alongline VII-VII of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket assembly taken alongline VIII-VIII of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bracket assembly in accordance with asecond embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan elevational view of the bracket assembly illustratedin FIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the bracket assembly illustratedin FIG. 9 with a chain stabilizer omitted.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket assembly taken alongline XII-XII of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a bracket assembly in accordance with athird embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan elevational view of the bracket assembly illustratedin FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly illustrated inFIG. 13 with a chain stabilizer omitted.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket assembly taken alongline XVI-XVI of FIG. 13 .

FIGS. 17 to 37 are cross-sectional views of the bracket assemblies inaccordance with modifications.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

As seen in FIG. 1 , a bracket assembly 10 is configured to be coupled toa frame 2A of a human-powered vehicle 2. The bracket assembly 10 isconfigured to mount a derailleur 4 to the frame 2A of the human-poweredvehicle 2. The derailleur 4 is configured to be attached to the bracketassembly 10. In the present embodiment, the bracket assembly 10 isconfigured to be coupled to a coupling portion 2B between a chain stay2C and a seat stay 2D. The derailleur 4 includes a rear derailleur 4A.However, the bracket assembly 10 can be coupled to other parts of theframe 2A if needed and/or desired. The derailleur 4 can include front orother derailleurs if needed and/or desired.

In the present application, a human-powered vehicle is a vehicle totravel with a motive power including at least a human power of a userwho rides the human-powered vehicle (i.e., rider). The human-poweredvehicle includes a various kind of bicycles such as a mountain bike, aroad bike, a city bike, a cargo bike, a hand bike, and a recumbent bike.Furthermore, the human-powered vehicle includes an electric bike(E-bike). The electric bike includes an electrically assisted bicycleconfigured to assist propulsion of a vehicle with an electric motor.However, a total number of wheels of the human-powered vehicle is notlimited to two. For example, the human-powered vehicle includes avehicle having one wheel or three or more wheels. Especially, thehuman-powered vehicle does not include a vehicle that uses only aninternal-combustion engine as motive power. Generally, a light roadvehicle, which includes a vehicle that does not require a driver’slicense for a public road, is assumed as the human-powered vehicle.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front,”“rear,” “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “transverse,” “upward”and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions which are determined on the basis of a user (e.g., arider) who is in the user’s standard position (e.g., on a saddle or aseat) in the human-powered vehicle 2 with facing a handlebar or asteering. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the bracketassembly 10, the bracket apparatus 12, or other components, should beinterpreted relative to the human-powered vehicle 2 equipped with thebracket assembly 10, the bracket apparatus 12, or other components asused in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

The bracket assembly 10 comprises a bracket apparatus 12. The bracketapparatus 12 for mounting the derailleur 4 to the frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2 comprises a bracket body 14. The bracketapparatus 12 further comprises a bracket fastener 16. The bracketfastener 16 is configured to fasten the bracket body 14 to the frame 2Aof the human-powered vehicle 2. The derailleur 4 is configured to beattached to the bracket body 14. The derailleur 4 includes a derailleurbody 4B and a derailleur fastener 4C. The derailleur body 4B isconfigured to be coupled to the bracket body 14 with the derailleurfastener 4C.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the bracket body 14 includes at least one of a frameattachment portion 20, a derailleur attachment portion 22, and acomponent attachment portion 24. In the present embodiment, the bracketbody 14 includes a frame attachment portion 20. Namely, the bracketapparatus 12 for mounting the derailleur 4 to the frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2 comprises the frame attachment portion 20. Theframe attachment portion 20 is configured to be attached to the frame 2Aof the human-powered vehicle 2. However, the frame attachment portion 20can be omitted from the bracket body 14 if needed and/or desired.

The frame attachment portion 20 has a frame attachment opening 20A. Theframe attachment opening 20A has a frame attachment center axis A1. Theframe attachment opening 20A extends along the frame attachment centeraxis A1. The bracket fastener 16 is configured to fasten the frameattachment portion 20 to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2.The bracket fastener 16 is configured to be at least partly provided inthe frame attachment opening 20A.

The bracket body 14 includes a derailleur attachment portion 22 to whichthe derailleur 4 is to be attached. Namely, the bracket apparatus 12 formounting the derailleur 4 to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2comprises the derailleur attachment portion 22. However, the derailleurattachment portion 22 can be omitted from the bracket body 14 if neededand/or desired.

The derailleur attachment portion 22 has a derailleur attachment opening22A. The derailleur attachment opening 22A has a derailleur attachmentcenter axis A2. The derailleur attachment opening 22A extends along thederailleur attachment center axis A2. The derailleur fastener 4C is atleast partly provided in the derailleur attachment opening 22A. Thederailleur attachment opening 22A includes a threaded hole 22B. Thederailleur fastener 4C includes an external thread 4D configured to bethreadedly engaged with the threaded hole 22B of the derailleurattachment opening 22A.

The bracket body 14 includes a component attachment portion 24 to whicha component 26 is to be attached. Namely, the bracket apparatus 12 formounting the derailleur 4 to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2comprises the component attachment portion 24. The bracket assembly 10further comprises the component 26. The component 26 includes anelectric device 28. The component attachment portion 24 is configured tobe attached to the electric device 28. However, the component attachmentportion 24 can be omitted from the bracket body 14 if needed and/ordesired.

In the present embodiment, the electric device 28 includes at least oneof a battery, a generator, a sensor, a communicator, an actuator, aninforming unit, a display (e.g., a light emitting diode, a liquidcrystal display), a user interface (e.g., an operating switch, an on-offswitch), and a connector for an electric cable. However, the electricdevice 28 is not limited to the above examples.

The bracket assembly 10 further comprises a component fastener 30. Thecomponent fastener 30 is configured to fasten the component 26 to thebracket body 14. The component attachment portion 24 has a componentattachment opening 24A. The component attachment opening 24A has acomponent attachment center axis A3. The component attachment opening24A extends along the component attachment center axis A3. The componentfastener 30 is at least partly provided in the component attachmentopening 24A.

The bracket assembly 10 comprises a component bracket 32. The componentfastener 30 is configured to fasten the component bracket 32 to thebracket apparatus 12. The component bracket 32 is configured to mountthe component 26 to the bracket apparatus 12. The component bracket 32is configured to mount the component 26 to the bracket body 14. Thecomponent bracket 32 is configured to mount the component 26 to thecomponent attachment portion 24 of the bracket body 14.

The component 26 is configured to be mounted to the bracket apparatus 12via the component bracket 32. The component 26 is configured to bemounted to the bracket body 14 via the component bracket 32. Thecomponent 26 is configured to be attached to the component attachmentportion 24 of the bracket body 14 via the component bracket 32.

The component 26 includes a component housing 26A. The component bracket32 is configured to mount the component housing 26A to the bracket body14 of the bracket apparatus 12. In the present embodiment, the componentbracket 32 is at least partly provided integrally with the componenthousing 26A as a one-piece unitary member. However, the componentbracket 32 can be a separate member from the component housing 26A ifneeded and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the bracket body 14 includes a cable groove 34 inwhich a cable 36 is to be at least partly provided. In the presentembodiment, the bracket body 14 includes the cable groove 34 in whichthe cable 36 is partly provided. However, at least one of the bracketbody 14 and the bracket fastener 16 can include the cable groove 34 ifneeded and/or desired. The cable groove 34 can be configured such thatthe cable 36 is entirely provided in the cable groove 34 if neededand/or desired.

The cable groove 34 includes a first cable groove 38 in which a firstcable 36A is to be at least partly provided. An additional component 39Ais electrically connected to an additional component 39B via the firstcable 36A. Examples of the additional component 39A include thecomponent 26, an electric power source, and a hub assembly including apower generator. Examples of the additional component 39B include thecomponent 26, an electric derailleur, an electric power source, andother electric components such as a control unit. In a case where theadditional component 39A includes a hub assembly including a powergenerator and where the additional component 39B includes an electricderailleur, the power generator of the hub assembly is electricallyconnected to the electric derailleur via the first cable 36A.Electricity generated by the power generator is supplied to a motorand/or a controller of the electric derailleur via the first cable 36A.In a case where the additional component 39A includes an electric powersource and where the additional component 39B includes an electricderailleur, the electric power source is electrically connected to theelectric derailleur via the first cable 36A. Electricity is suppliedfrom the electric power source to the motor and/or the controller of theelectric derailleur via the first cable 36A. In a case where theadditional component 39A includes the component 26 and where theadditional component 39B includes an electric derailleur, the component26 is electrically connected to the electric derailleur via the firstcable 36A. Electricity is supplied from the electric power source to themotor and/or the controller of the electric derailleur via the firstcable 36A. The first cable groove 38 includes a curved bottom surface.The first cable 36A is at least partly provided in the first cablegroove 38 (see e.g., FIG. 8 ). The first cable 36A is provided betweenthe curved bottom surface of the first cable groove 38 and a hub axle 8Aof a hub assembly 8 (see e.g., FIG. 8 ).

The first cable groove 38 extends radially outwardly from the frameattachment portion 20 with respect to the frame attachment center axisA1. The first cable groove 38 extends radially outwardly from the frameattachment opening 20A with respect to the frame attachment center axisA1.

The bracket body 14 includes an axial surface 14A configured to face inan axial direction D1 with respect to the frame attachment center axisA1. The first cable groove 38 is provided on the axial surface 14A.

The bracket body 14 includes an end surface 14B spaced apart from theframe attachment opening 20A. The first cable groove 38 extends radiallyoutwardly from the frame attachment opening 20A to the end surface 14Bwith respect to the frame attachment center axis A1.

The first cable groove 38 has a first longitudinal axis LA1 and extendsalong the first longitudinal axis LA1. The first longitudinal axis LA1is non-parallel to the frame attachment center axis A1. The firstlongitudinal axis LA1 intersects with the frame attachment center axisA1. The first longitudinal axis LA1 is offset from the derailleurattachment center axis A2. However, the first longitudinal axis LA1 canbe defined to intersect with the derailleur attachment center axis A2 ifneeded and/or desired. The first longitudinal axis LA1 can be offsetfrom the frame attachment center axis A1. The first longitudinal axisLA1 can be parallel to the frame attachment center axis A1 if neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the cable groove 34 includes a second cable groove40 in which a second cable 36B is to be at least partly provided. Theelectric device 28 of the component 26 is electrically connected to anadditional component 41 via the second cable 36B. Examples of theadditional component 41 include an electric derailleur, an electricpower source, and other electric components such as a control unit. In acase where the additional component 41 include an electric derailleur,the electric device 28 of the component 26 is electrically connected tothe electric derailleur via the second cable 36B at least partiallyprovided in the second cable groove 40.

The second cable groove 40 at least partly extends circumferentiallywith respect to the frame attachment portion 20 with respect to theframe attachment center axis A1. The second cable groove 40 at leastpartly extends circumferentially with respect to the frame attachmentcenter axis A1.

In the present embodiment, the second cable groove 40 entirely extendscircumferentially with respect to the frame attachment portion 20 withrespect to the frame attachment center axis A1. The second cable groove40 entirely extends circumferentially with respect to the frameattachment center axis A1. However, the second cable groove 40 canpartly extend circumferentially with respect to the frame attachmentportion 20 with respect to the frame attachment center axis A1 if neededand/or desired. The second cable groove 40 can partly extendcircumferentially with respect to the frame attachment center axis A1 ifneeded and/or desired.

The bracket body 14 includes an outer peripheral surface 14C providedradially outwardly of the frame attachment portion 20 with respect tothe frame attachment center axis A1. The second cable groove 40 isprovided on the outer peripheral surface 14C. However, the second cablegroove 40 can be provided in other positions if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 3 , the second cable groove 40 includes a curved bottomsurface. The second cable 36B is at least partly provided in the secondcable groove 40.

As seen in FIG. 3 , the frame attachment portion 20 includes a fasteningthreaded hole 20B configured to be threadedly engaged with the bracketfastener 16. The frame attachment opening 20A includes the fasteningthreaded hole 20B. The frame attachment portion 20 includes a fasteninginternal thread 20C defining the fastening threaded hole 20B. Thebracket fastener 16 includes a fastening external thread 16A configuredto be threadedly engaged with the fastening threaded hole 20B. Thefastening external thread 16A of the bracket fastener 16 is configuredto be threadedly engaged with the fastening internal thread 20C of theframe attachment portion 20.

The frame attachment portion 20 includes a base part 20D and a tubularpart 20E. The tubular part 20E extends from the base part 20D along theframe attachment center axis A1. The base part 20D and the tubular part20E include the frame attachment opening 20A. The tubular part 20Eincludes the fastening threaded hole 20B. The frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2 includes a through-hole 2E. The tubular part 20Eis configured to be at least partly provided in the through-hole 2E ofthe frame 2A.

The bracket fastener 16 includes a head part 16B and a fastener body16C. The fastener body 16C extends from the head part 16B. The fastenerbody 16C includes the fastening external thread 16A. The fastener body16C is at least partly provided in the frame attachment opening 20A. Thefastener body 16C is at least partly provided in the fastening threadedhole 20B.

In the present embodiment, the bracket fastener 16 includes a receivingthreaded hole 16D configured to be threadedly engaged with a fasteningrod 6A of a hub fastening device 6 configured to fasten the hub assembly8 to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2. The fastener body 16Cincludes the receiving threaded hole 16D. The fastener body 16C includesa receiving internal thread 16E defining the receiving threaded hole16D. The fastening rod 6A of the hub fastening device 6 is configured tobe threadedly engaged with the receiving internal thread 16E of thefastener body 16C. However, the receiving threaded hole 16D can beomitted from the bracket fastener 16 if needed and/or desired.

The fastening external thread 16A of the bracket fastener 16 has a firstthread pitch PT1. The fastening internal thread 20C of the frameattachment portion 20 has the first thread pitch PT1. The receivinginternal thread 16E of the fastener body 16C has a second thread pitchPT2. In the present embodiment, the first thread pitch PT1 is differentfrom the second thread pitch PT2. The first thread pitch PT1 is largerthan the second thread pitch PT2. However, the first thread pitch PT1can be equal to or smaller than the second thread pitch PT2 if neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 3 , the bracket apparatus 12 for mounting the derailleur4 to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 comprises one of arestriction member 44 and a restriction opening 46. In the presentembodiment, the bracket apparatus 12 comprises the restriction member44. The frame 2A includes the restriction opening 46. However, thebracket apparatus 12 can comprise the restriction opening 46 if neededand/or desired. The frame 2A can include the restriction member 44 ifneeded and/or desired.

The one of the restriction member 44 and the restriction opening 46 isconfigured to restrict a rotation of the bracket body 14 relative to theframe 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 in a bracket mounting statewhere the bracket apparatus 12 is mounted to the frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2. The restriction member 44 is configured to beat least partly provided in the restriction opening 46 to restrict arotation of the bracket body 14 relative to the frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2 in the bracket mounting state where the bracketapparatus 12 is mounted to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2.

In the present embodiment, the restriction member 44 is configured to bepartly provided in the restriction opening 46 to restrict a rotation ofthe bracket body 14 relative to the frame 2A of the human-poweredvehicle 2 in the bracket mounting state. However, the restriction member44 can be configured to be entirely provided in the restriction opening46 to restrict a rotation of the bracket body 14 relative to the frame2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 in the bracket mounting state ifneeded and/or desired.

In the present embodiment, the bracket apparatus 12 comprises therestriction member 44. However, the bracket apparatus 12 can comprisethe restriction opening 46 instead of the restriction member 44 ifneeded and/or desired. In a case where the bracket apparatus 12comprises the restriction member 44, the frame 2A includes therestriction opening 46, and the bracket apparatus 12 is free of therestriction opening 46. In a case where the bracket apparatus 12comprises the restriction opening 46, the frame 2A includes therestriction member 44, and the bracket apparatus 12 is free of therestriction member 44.

In the present embodiment, the restriction opening 46 includes arestriction hole 46A. The restriction hole 46A includes a closed end anddoes not include a through-hole. However, the restriction opening 46 isnot limited to the above structure. The restriction opening 46 caninclude a through-hole, a groove, a recess, and/or other structures ifneeded and/or desired.

The restriction opening 46 is provided to the frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2. The restriction member 44 protrudes from thebracket body 14 in the bracket mounting state and is configured to be atleast partly provided in the restriction opening 46 in the bracketmounting state.

In the present embodiment, the restriction member 44 is a separatemember from the bracket body 14. The bracket body 14 includes anadditional opening 48. The restriction member 44 is configured to be atleast partly provided in the restriction opening 46 and the additionalopening 48 in the bracket mounting state. The restriction member 44 isconfigured to be partly provided in each of the restriction opening 46and the additional opening 48 in the bracket mounting state. However,the additional opening 48 can be omitted from the bracket body 14 ifneeded and/or desired. The restriction member 44 can be integrallyprovided with the bracket body 14 as a one-piece unitary member ifneeded and/or desired.

The restriction member 44 includes an external thread 44A. At least oneof the restriction opening 46 and the additional opening 48 includes athreaded hole configured to be threadedly engaged with the externalthread 44A of the restriction member 44. In the present embodiment, theadditional opening 48 includes a threaded hole 48A configured to bethreadedly engaged with the external thread 44A of the restrictionmember 44. The restriction opening 46 is free of a threaded hole. Therestriction member 44 is partly provided in the restriction opening 46without being press-fitted in the restriction opening 46. However, therestriction member 44 can be press-fitted in the restriction opening 46if needed and/or desired. The restriction opening 46 can include athreaded hole if needed and/or desired. The additional opening 48 can befree of the threaded hole 48A if needed and/or desired. Both of therestriction opening 46 and the additional opening 48 can include athreaded hole if needed and/or desired.

The restriction member 44 includes a restriction rod 44B and alarge-diameter body 44C. The large-diameter body 44C is provided at anend of the restriction rod 44B. The restriction rod 44B extends from thelarge-diameter body 44C. An outer diameter of the large-diameter body44C is larger than an outer diameter of the restriction rod 44B. Theouter diameter of the large-diameter body 44C is larger than an innerdiameter of the restriction opening 46.

The bracket body 14 includes a recess 50. The large-diameter body 44C isat least partly provided in the recess 50 in the bracket mounting state.In the present embodiment, the large-diameter body 44C is entirelyprovided in the recess 50 in the bracket mounting state. However, thelarge-diameter body 44C can be partly provided in the recess 50 in thebracket mounting state if needed and/or desired.

The one of the restriction member 44 and the restriction opening 46 iscloser to the frame attachment portion 20 than the derailleur attachmentportion 22. The restriction member 44 and the restriction opening 46 arecloser to the frame attachment portion 20 than the derailleur attachmentportion 22.

The one of the restriction member 44 and the restriction opening 46 hasa receiving center axis and extends along the receiving center axis. Inthe present embodiment, the restriction member 44 has a receiving centeraxis A4. The restriction member 44 extends along the receiving centeraxis A4. The restriction opening 46 has a receiving center axis A5. Therestriction opening 46 extends along the receiving center axis A5.

In the present embodiment, the receiving center axis A4 of therestriction member 44 is coincident with the receiving center axis A5 ofthe restriction opening 46 in a state where the restriction member 44 isprovided in the restriction opening 46. However, the receiving centeraxis A4 of the restriction member 44 can be offset from the receivingcenter axis A5 of the restriction opening 46 in the state where therestriction member 44 is provided in the restriction opening 46.

The frame attachment portion 20 is configured to be at least partlydisposed between the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 and the hubaxle 8A of the hub assembly 8 in the axial direction D1 with respect toa center axis A6 of the hub axle 8A. The frame attachment portion 20 isconfigured to be partly disposed between the frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2 and the hub axle 8A of the hub assembly 8 in theaxial direction D1 with respect to the center axis A6 of the hub axle8A. The hub axle 8A of the hub assembly 8 has a structure different froma structure of the fastening rod 6A of the hub fastening device 6. Thehub axle 8A of the hub assembly 8 is configured to be supported by thefastening rod 6A of the hub fastening device 6.

The frame attachment opening 20A is configured to be coaxial with thehub axle 8A of the hub assembly 8 in the bracket mounting state wherethe bracket apparatus 12 is mounted to the frame 2A of the human-poweredvehicle 2. The frame attachment center axis A1 is coincident with thecenter axis A6 of the hub axle 8A of the hub assembly 8 in the bracketmounting state where the bracket apparatus 12 is mounted to the frame 2Aof the human-powered vehicle 2.

As seen in FIG. 4 , the one of the restriction member 44 and therestriction opening 46 is configured to restrict a first rotation of thebracket body 14 in a first circumferential direction D21 about the frameattachment center axis A1 relative to the frame 2A of the human-poweredvehicle 2 in the bracket mounting state. The one of the restrictionmember 44 and the restriction opening 46 is configured to restrict asecond rotation of the bracket body 14 in a second circumferentialdirection D22 about the frame attachment center axis A1 relative to theframe 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 in the bracket mounting state.The second circumferential direction D22 is an opposite direction of thefirst circumferential direction D21. However, the one of the restrictionmember 44 and the restriction opening 46 can be configured to restrictonly one of the first rotation and the second rotation of the bracketbody 14 in the bracket mounting state if needed and/or desired.

The derailleur attachment portion 22 is spaced apart from the frameattachment portion 20. The component attachment portion 24 is spacedapart from the frame attachment portion 20 and the derailleur attachmentportion 22. However, the positional relationship among the frameattachment portion 20, the derailleur attachment portion 22, and thecomponent attachment portion 24 is not limited to the above positionalrelationship.

One of the derailleur attachment portion 22 and the component attachmentportion 24 is disposed on an opposite side of the other of thederailleur attachment portion 22 and the component attachment portion 24with respect to the frame attachment portion 20. The one of thederailleur attachment portion 22 and the component attachment portion 24is disposed on the opposite side of the other of the derailleurattachment portion 22 and the component attachment portion 24 withrespect to the frame attachment portion 20 in an arrangement directionD3. The arrangement direction D3 is defined to be non-parallel to atleast one of the frame attachment center axis A1, the derailleurattachment center axis A2, and the component attachment center axis A3.

In the present embodiment, the arrangement direction D3 is defined to beperpendicular to at least one of the frame attachment center axis A1,the derailleur attachment center axis A2, and the component attachmentcenter axis A3. The arrangement direction D3 is defined to beperpendicular to the frame attachment center axis A1, the derailleurattachment center axis A2, and the component attachment center axis A3.However, the arrangement direction D3 can be defined to benon-perpendicular to at least one of the frame attachment center axisA1, the derailleur attachment center axis A2, and the componentattachment center axis A3 if needed and/or desired.

The arrangement direction D3 is defined along a horizontal direction D4of the human-powered vehicle 2. The arrangement direction D3 is definedalong a front-back direction D5 of the human-powered vehicle 2. However,the arrangement direction D3 can be defined along a vertical directionD6 if needed and/or desired.

In the present embodiment, the frame attachment portion 20 is integrallyprovided with the derailleur attachment portion 22 as a one-pieceunitary member. The frame attachment portion 20 is integrally providedwith at least one of the derailleur attachment portion 22 and thecomponent attachment portion 24 as a one-piece unitary member. However,the frame attachment portion 20 can be a separate member from at leastone of the derailleur attachment portion 22 if needed and/or desired.For example, the frame attachment portion 20 can be integrally providedwith one of the derailleur attachment portion 22 and the componentattachment portion 24 as a one-piece unitary member while the frameattachment portion 20 can be a separate member from the other of thederailleur attachment portion 22 and the component attachment portion24.

The frame attachment center axis A1, the derailleur attachment centeraxis A2, and the component attachment center axis A3 are offset fromeach other. The receiving center axis A4 or A5 of the one of therestriction member 44 and the restriction opening 46, the frameattachment center axis A1, and the derailleur attachment center axis A2are offset from each other. In the present embodiment, the receivingcenter axis of the restriction member 44, the frame attachment centeraxis A1, and the derailleur attachment center axis A2 are offset fromeach other. The receiving center axis of the restriction opening 46, theframe attachment center axis A1, and the derailleur attachment centeraxis A2 are offset from each other.

The receiving center axis A4 or A5 is provided between the frameattachment center axis A1 and the component attachment center axis A3.The receiving center axis A4 or A5 is provided between the derailleurattachment center axis A2 and the component attachment center axis A3.The receiving center axis A4 or A5 is provided between the frameattachment center axis A1 and the derailleur attachment center axis A2.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the receiving center axis A4 or A5 of the oneof the restriction member 44 and the restriction opening 46, the frameattachment center axis A1, and the derailleur attachment center axis A2extend along each other. In the present embodiment, the receiving centeraxis A4 or A5 of the restriction member 44, the receiving center axis ofthe restriction opening 46, the frame attachment center axis A1, and thederailleur attachment center axis A2 are parallel to each other.However, at least one of the receiving center axis A4 of the restrictionmember 44, the receiving center axis A5 of the restriction opening 46,the frame attachment center axis A1, and the derailleur attachmentcenter axis A2 can be non-parallel to another of the receiving centeraxis A4 of the restriction member 44, the receiving center axis A5 ofthe restriction opening 46, the frame attachment center axis A1, and thederailleur attachment center axis A2 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 5 , the derailleur attachment opening 22A is configuredto be coaxial with the derailleur fastener 4C in a derailleur mountingstate where the derailleur 4 is mounted to the bracket apparatus 12. Thederailleur attachment center axis A2 is coincident with a center axis ofthe derailleur fastener 4C in the derailleur mounting state where thederailleur 4 is mounted to the bracket apparatus 12.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the frame attachment opening 20A has a firstinner diameter DM1. The derailleur attachment opening 22A has a secondinner diameter DM2. The component attachment opening 24A has a thirdinner diameter DM3. The one of the restriction member 44 and therestriction opening 46 has a diameter. The diameter of the one of therestriction member 44 and the restriction opening 46 is smaller than atleast one of the first inner diameter DM1 and the second inner diameterDM2. The diameter of the one of the restriction member 44 and therestriction opening 46 is smaller than at least one of the first innerdiameter DM1, the second inner diameter DM2, and the third innerdiameter DM3.

As seen in FIG. 3 , the restriction member 44 has a diameter DM4. Therestriction opening 46 has a diameter DM5. The diameter DM5 of therestriction opening 46 is smaller than the diameter DM4 of therestriction member 44. As seen in FIG. 4 , the diameter DM4 of therestriction member 44 is smaller than the first inner diameter DM1 andthe second inner diameter DM2. As seen in FIG. 5 , the diameter DM5 ofthe restriction opening 46 is smaller than the first inner diameter DM1and the second inner diameter DM2. However, the diameter DM4 of therestriction member 44 can be equal to or larger than at least one of thefirst inner diameter DM1 and the second inner diameter DM2 if neededand/or desired. The diameter DM5 of the restriction opening 46 can beequal to or larger than at least one of the first inner diameter DM1 andthe second inner diameter DM2 if needed and/or desired. The diameter DM5of the restriction opening 46 can be equal to or larger than thediameter DM4 of the restriction member 44 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 7 , the component 26 is configured to be adjustablyattached to the bracket apparatus 12. The component 26 is configured tobe adjustably attached to the bracket apparatus 12 via the componentbracket 32. Positions of the component 26 and the component bracket 32are adjustable relative to the bracket apparatus 12 in an adjustmentdirection D7. The component bracket 32 includes a component bracketopening 32A. The component bracket opening 32A includes an elongatedhole 32B extending in the adjustment direction D7. The componentfastener 30 extends though the component bracket opening 32A. Thecomponent fastener 30 extends through the elongated hole 32B. Thepositions of the component 26 and the component bracket 32 areadjustable relative to the bracket apparatus 12 in the adjustmentdirection D7 in a state where the component fastener 30 is loosened. Thecomponent 26 and the component bracket 32 are positioned relative to thebracket apparatus 12 by the component fastener 30 at a specific positionin a state where the component fastener 30 is tightened. However, theelongated hole 32B can be omitted from the component bracket opening 32Aif needed and/or desired.

The bracket apparatus 12 includes a washer 52 and a nut 54. The washer52 is provided between the component attachment portion 24 and thecomponent bracket 32 in the axial direction D1. The washer 52 includes ahole 52A. The component fastener 30 extends through the hole 52A of thewasher 52. The nut 54 is threadedly engaged with the component fastener30. The component bracket 32 is at least partly provided between thewasher 52 and the nut 54 in the axial direction D1.

The component fastener 30 includes a head portion 30A, a rod portion30B, and an external thread 30C. The head portion 30A is provided at anend of the rod portion 30B. The rod portion 30B extends along the centeraxis A7 of the component fastener 30. The external thread 30C isprovided on an outer surface of the rod portion 30B. The nut 54 includesa threaded hole 54A. The external thread 30C of the component fastener30 is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 54A of the nut 54. Thecomponent attachment portion 24 and the washer 52 are at least partlyprovided between the head portion 30A of the component fastener 30 andthe component bracket 32 in the axial direction D1. The componentattachment portion 24, the washer 52, and the component bracket 32 areheld between the head portion 30A of the component fastener 30 and thenut 54 when the component fastener 30 is tightened.

The component bracket 32 includes a first positioning structure 32C. Thewasher 52 includes a second positioning structure 52B. The secondpositioning structure 52B is configured to be engaged with the firstpositioning structure 32C to position the component bracket 32 relativeto the component attachment portion 24 in the adjustment direction D7.The first positioning structure 32C includes a plurality of protrusions.The second positioning structure 52B includes a plurality ofprotrusions. The plurality of protrusions of the first positioningstructure 32C at least partly meshes with the plurality of protrusionsof the second positioning structure 52B.

In the present embodiment, the component attachment opening 24A isconfigured to be coaxial with the component fastener 30 in a componentmounting state where the component 26 is mounted to the bracketapparatus 12. The component attachment center axis A3 is coincident witha center axis A7 of the component fastener 30 in the component mountingstate. However, the component attachment center axis A3 can be offsetfrom the center axis A7 of the component fastener 30 in the componentmounting state if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the component attachment portion 24 isconfigured to form a space S between the component attachment portion 24and the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 in the bracket mountingstate where the bracket apparatus 12 is mounted to the frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2. At least one of the component bracket 32configured to mount the component 26 to the component attachment portion24 and the component 26 configured to be mounted to the componentattachment portion 24 is at least partly disposed in the space S in thecomponent mounting state where the component 26 is mounted to thebracket apparatus 12. In the present embodiment, the component bracket32 is partly disposed in the space S in the component mounting state.However, both the component bracket 32 and at least part of thecomponent 26 can be at least partly provided in the space S if neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 8 , the frame attachment center axis A1, thederailleur attachment center axis A2, and the component attachmentcenter axis A3 extend along each other. At least one of the frameattachment center axis A1, the derailleur attachment center axis A2, andthe component attachment center axis A3 is parallel to another of theframe attachment center axis A1, the derailleur attachment center axisA2, and the component attachment center axis A3. The frame attachmentcenter axis A1, the derailleur attachment center axis A2, and thecomponent attachment center axis A3 are parallel to each other. However,at least one of the frame attachment center axis A1, the derailleurattachment center axis A2, and the component attachment center axis A3can be non-parallel to another of the frame attachment center axis A1,the derailleur attachment center axis A2, and the component attachmentcenter axis A3 if needed and/or desired.

Second Embodiment

A bracket assembly 210 in accordance with a second embodiment will bedescribed below referring to FIGS. 9 to 12 . The bracket assembly 210has the same structure and/or configuration as those of the bracketassembly 10 except for a chain stabilizer. Thus, elements havingsubstantially the same function as those in the first embodiment will benumbered the same here and will not be described and/or illustratedagain in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 9 , the bracket assembly 210 comprises a bracketapparatus 212. The bracket apparatus 212 comprises a bracket body 214.The bracket body 214 includes the frame attachment portion 20 and thederailleur attachment portion 22 to which the derailleur 4 is to beattached. The bracket body 214 has substantially the same structure asthe structure of the bracket body 14 of the bracket apparatus 12 of thefirst embodiment. In the present embodiment, the component attachmentportion 24 is omitted from the bracket body 214. However, the bracketbody 214 can include the component attachment portion 24 if neededand/or desired. The derailleur attachment portion 22 can be omitted fromthe bracket body 214 if needed and/or desired.

The bracket apparatus 212 further comprises a chain stabilizer 260. Thebracket body 214 includes a stabilizer attachment portion 262 configuredto mount the chain stabilizer 260. The chain stabilizer 260 isconfigured to be attached to the stabilizer attachment portion 262.

The bracket apparatus 212 further comprises a stabilizer fastener 264.The stabilizer fastener 264 is configured to fasten the chain stabilizer260 to the stabilizer attachment portion 262 of the bracket body 214.

As seen in FIG. 10 , the chain stabilizer 260 is configured to beprovided radially outwardly of at least one sprocket of a plurality ofsprockets SP to stabilize a chain C relative to the plurality ofsprockets SP. The chain stabilizer 260 includes a cleaning portion 266configured to be at least partly provided between adjacent two sprocketsof the plurality of sprockets SP to remove a foreign material enteringbetween the adjacent two sprockets in a mounting state where the bracketapparatus 212 is mounted to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2.

The cleaning portion 266 includes a first cleaner 268 and a secondcleaner 270. The first cleaner 268 is configured to be provided betweenfirst adjacent two sprockets SP1 and SP2 of the plurality of sprocketsSP to remove a foreign material entering between the first adjacent twosprockets SP1 and SP2. The second cleaner 270 is configured to beprovided between second adjacent two sprockets SP2 and SP3 of theplurality of sprockets SP to remove a foreign material entering betweenthe second adjacent two sprockets SP2 and SP3.

The first cleaner 268 and the second cleaner 270 are arranged in anaxial direction D8 with respect to a rotational center axis A8 of theplurality of sprockets SP in the mounting state. The first cleaner 268is spaced apart from the second cleaner 270 in the axial direction D1.One of the first cleaner 268 and the second cleaner 270 can be omittedfrom the cleaning portion 266 if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 11 , the stabilizer attachment portion 262 is spacedapart from the frame attachment portion 20 and the derailleur attachmentportion 22. However, the stabilizer attachment portion 262 can beprovided in the same position as at least one of the positions of theframe attachment portion 20 and the derailleur attachment portion 22 ifneeded and/or desired.

The stabilizer attachment portion 262 is integrally provided with atleast one of the frame attachment portion 20 and the derailleurattachment portion 22 as a one-piece unitary member. In the presentembodiment, the stabilizer attachment portion 262 is integrally providedwith the frame attachment portion 20 and the derailleur attachmentportion 22 as a one-piece unitary member. However, the stabilizerattachment portion 262 can be a separate member from at least one of theframe attachment portion 20 and the derailleur attachment portion 22 asa one-piece unitary member.

The stabilizer attachment portion 262 includes a stabilizer attachmentopening 262A. The stabilizer attachment opening 262A has a stabilizerattachment center axis A9. The stabilizer attachment opening 262A isspaced apart from the frame attachment opening 20A and the derailleurattachment opening 22A. The stabilizer attachment center axis A9 isspaced apart from the frame attachment center axis A1 and the derailleurattachment center axis A2. The stabilizer attachment center axis A9 isoffset from the frame attachment center axis A1 and the derailleurattachment center axis A2. The stabilizer attachment center axis A9 isparallel to the frame attachment center axis A1 and the derailleurattachment center axis A2. However, the stabilizer attachment centeraxis A9 can be non-parallel to at least one of the frame attachmentcenter axis A1 and the derailleur attachment center axis A2 if neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 12 , the chain stabilizer 260 includes a stabilizer body272. The stabilizer body 272 is attached to the stabilizer attachmentportion 262 with the stabilizer fastener 264. The cleaning portion 266extends from the stabilizer body 272 away from the stabilizer attachmentcenter axis A9. The first cleaner 268 extends from the stabilizer body272 away from the stabilizer attachment center axis A9. The secondcleaner 270 extends from the stabilizer body 272 away from thestabilizer attachment center axis A9.

As seen in FIG. 10 , the cleaning portion 266 extends from thestabilizer body 272 toward the rotational center axis A8 of theplurality of sprockets SP. The first cleaner 268 extends from thestabilizer body 272 toward the rotational center axis A8 of theplurality of sprockets SP. The second cleaner 270 extends from thestabilizer body 272 toward the rotational center axis A8 of theplurality of sprockets SP.

As seen in FIG. 12 , the stabilizer body 272 includes a through-hole272A. The stabilizer fastener 264 extends through the through-hole 272Ain a stabilizer attachment state where the chain stabilizer 260 isattached to the stabilizer attachment portion 262. The stabilizerattachment opening 262A includes a threaded hole 262B. The stabilizerfastener 264 includes a head part 264A and a fastener body 264B. Thefastener body 264B extends from the head part 264A. The fastener body264B extends through the through-hole 272A in the stabilizer attachmentstate. The fastener body 264B includes an external thread 264C. Thefastener body 264B is at least partly provided in the stabilizerattachment opening 262A. The fastener body 264B is at least partlyprovided in the threaded hole 262B. The external thread 264C of thestabilizer fastener 264 is configured to be threadedly engaged with thethreaded hole 262B of the stabilizer attachment portion 262.

In the present embodiment, the cleaning portion 266 is integrallyprovided with the stabilizer body 272 as a one-piece unitary member. Thefirst cleaner 268 is integrally provided with the stabilizer body 272 asa one-piece unitary member. The second cleaner 270 is integrallyprovided with the stabilizer body 272 as a one-piece unitary member.However, the cleaning portion 266 can be a separate member from thestabilizer body 272 if needed and/or desired. The first cleaner 268 canbe a separate member from the stabilizer body 272 if needed and/ordesired. The second cleaner 270 can be a separate member from thestabilizer body 272 if needed and/or desired.

In the present embodiment, the chain stabilizer 260 is a separate memberfrom the stabilizer attachment portion 262. However, the chainstabilizer 260 can be integrally provided with the stabilizer attachmentportion 262 as a one-piece unitary member if needed and/or desired.

Third Embodiment

A bracket assembly 310 in accordance with a second embodiment will bedescribed below referring to FIGS. 13 to 16 . The bracket assembly 310has the same structure and/or configuration as those of the bracketassembly 10 except for a chain stabilizer. Thus, elements havingsubstantially the same function as those in the first embodiment will benumbered the same here and will not be described and/or illustratedagain in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 13 , the bracket assembly 310 comprises a bracketapparatus 312. The bracket apparatus 312 comprises a bracket body 314.The bracket body 314 includes the frame attachment portion 20 and thederailleur attachment portion 22 to which the derailleur 4 is to beattached. The bracket body 314 has substantially the same structure asthe structure of the bracket body 14 of the bracket apparatus 12 of thefirst embodiment.

The bracket apparatus 312 further comprises a chain stabilizer 360. Thebracket body 314 includes a stabilizer attachment portion 362 configuredto mount the chain stabilizer 360. The chain stabilizer 360 isconfigured to be attached to the stabilizer attachment portion 362.

The bracket apparatus 312 further comprises a stabilizer fastener 364.The stabilizer fastener 364 is configured to fasten the chain stabilizer360 to the stabilizer attachment portion 362 of the bracket body 314.

As seen in FIG. 14 , the chain stabilizer 360 is configured to beprovided radially outwardly of at least one sprocket of the plurality ofsprockets SP to stabilize the chain C relative to the plurality ofsprockets SP. The chain stabilizer 360 includes a chain restrictingportion 366. The chain restricting portion 366 is configured to beprovided to the stabilizer attachment portion 362 to be contactable withthe chain C. The chain restricting portion 366 is provided radiallyoutwardly of the chain C engaged with one sprocket of the plurality ofsprockets SP in a mounting state where the bracket apparatus 312 ismounted to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2.

The chain restricting portion 366 is at least partly deformable if thechain restricting portion 366 contacts the chain C. In the presentembodiment, the chain restricting portion 366 is entirely deformable ifthe chain restricting portion 366 contacts the chain C. However, thechain restricting portion 366 can be configured to be partly deformableif the chain restricting portion 366 contacts the chain C if neededand/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 15 , the stabilizer attachment portion 362 is spacedapart from the frame attachment portion 20 and the derailleur attachmentportion 22. However, the stabilizer attachment portion 362 can beprovided in the same position as at least one of the positions of theframe attachment portion 20 and the derailleur attachment portion 22 ifneeded and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 16 , the stabilizer body 372 includes a through-hole372A. The stabilizer fastener 364 extends through the through-hole 372Ain a stabilizer attachment state where the chain stabilizer 260 isattached to the stabilizer attachment portion 362. The stabilizerattachment opening 362A includes a threaded hole 362B. The stabilizerfastener 364 includes a head part 364A and a fastener body 364B. Thefastener body 364B extends from the head part 364A. The fastener body364B extends through the through-hole 372A in the stabilizer attachmentstate. The fastener body 364B includes an external thread 364C. Thefastener body 364B is at least partly provided in the stabilizerattachment opening 362A. The fastener body 364B is at least partlyprovided in the threaded hole 362B. The external thread 364C of thestabilizer fastener 364 is configured to be threadedly engaged with thethreaded hole 362B of the stabilizer attachment portion 362.

The chain stabilizer 360 includes a stabilizer body 372. The stabilizerbody 372 is attached to the stabilizer attachment portion 362 with thestabilizer fastener 364. The chain restricting portion 366 extends fromthe stabilizer body 372 away from the stabilizer attachment center axisA10.

In the present embodiment, the chain restricting portion 366 isintegrally provided with the stabilizer body 372 as a one-piece unitarymember. However, the chain restricting portion 366 can be a separatemember from the stabilizer body 372 if needed and/or desired.

In the present embodiment, the chain stabilizer 360 is a separate memberfrom the stabilizer attachment portion 362. However, the chainstabilizer 360 can be integrally provided with the stabilizer attachmentportion 362 as a one-piece unitary member if needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIG. 15 , the stabilizer attachment portion 362 is integrallyprovided with at least one of the frame attachment portion 20 and thederailleur attachment portion 22 as a one-piece unitary member. In thepresent embodiment, the stabilizer attachment portion 362 is integrallyprovided with the frame attachment portion 20 and the derailleurattachment portion 22 as a one-piece unitary member. However, thestabilizer attachment portion 362 can be a separate member from at leastone of the frame attachment portion 20 and the derailleur attachmentportion 22 as a one-piece unitary member.

The stabilizer attachment portion 362 includes a stabilizer attachmentopening 362A. The stabilizer attachment opening 362A has a stabilizerattachment center axis A10. The stabilizer attachment opening 362A isspaced apart from the frame attachment opening 20A and the derailleurattachment opening 22A. The stabilizer attachment center axis A10 isnon-parallel to the frame attachment center axis A1 and the derailleurattachment center axis A2. However, the stabilizer attachment centeraxis A10 can be parallel to at least one of the frame attachment centeraxis A1 and the derailleur attachment center axis A2 if needed and/ordesired.

Modifications

In the first to third embodiments, the additional opening 48 includesthe threaded hole 48A. The restriction opening 46 is free of a threadedhole. As seen in FIGS. 17 and 18 , however, the bracket body 14 caninclude the restriction opening 46 in which the restriction member 44 isconfigured to be at least partly provided to restrict a rotation of thebracket body 14 relative to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2in the bracket mounting state where the bracket apparatus 12 is mountedto the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2. In the modificationsdepicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the restriction member 44 includes theexternal thread 44A. At least one of the restriction opening 46 and theadditional opening 48 includes a threaded hole configured to bethreadedly engaged with the external thread 44A of the restrictionmember 44. The restriction opening 46 includes a threaded hole 46Bconfigured to be threadedly engaged with the external thread 44A of therestriction member 44. In the modification depicted in FIG. 17 , theadditional opening 48 is free of a threaded hole. In the modificationdepicted in FIG. 18 , the additional opening 48 includes the threadedhole 48A as with the first embodiment. Each of the modificationsdepicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 can be applied to the second and thirdembodiments.

In the first to third embodiments and the modifications depicted inFIGS. 17 and 18 , the restriction member 44 is provided to the bracketbody 14, and the restriction opening 46 is provided to the frame 2A. Asseen in FIGS. 19 to 21 , however, the restriction member 44 can beprovided to the frame 2A, and the restriction opening 46 can be providedto the bracket body 14. In the modifications depicted in FIGS. 19 to 21, the restriction member 44 protrudes from the frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2 in the bracket mounting state and is configuredto be at least partly provided in the restriction opening 46 in thebracket mounting state. In the modification depicted in FIG. 19 , theadditional opening 48 includes the threaded hole 48A configured to bethreadedly engaged with the external thread 44A of the restrictionmember 44. The restriction opening 46 is free of a threaded hole. Therestriction member 44 is at least partly provided in the restrictionopening 46 without being press-fitted in the restriction opening 46.However, the restriction member 44 can be press-fitted in therestriction opening 46 if needed and/or desired. In the modificationdepicted in FIG. 20 , the restriction opening 46 includes the threadedhole 46B configured to be threadedly engaged with the external thread44A of the restriction member 44. The additional opening 48 is free of athreaded hole. In the modification depicted in FIG. 21 , the restrictionopening 46 includes the threaded hole 46B, and the additional opening 48includes the threaded hole 48A.

In the first to third embodiment and the modifications depicted in FIGS.17 and 21 , the restriction member 44 includes the external thread 44A.As seen in FIGS. 22 to 26 , however, the restriction member 44 can befree of an external thread if needed and/or desired.

In the modification depicted in FIG. 22 , the restriction member 44 canbe press-fitted in the additional opening 48 while the restrictionmember 44 is provided in the restriction opening 46 without beingpress-fitted in the restriction opening 46. The restriction opening 46is provided to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2. Therestriction member 44 protrudes from the bracket body 14 in the bracketmounting state and is configured to be at least partly provided in therestriction opening 46 in the bracket mounting state. In themodification depicted in FIG. 22 , the restriction member 44 can bepress-fitted in the restriction opening 46 while the restriction member44 is provided in the additional opening 48 without being press-fittedin the additional opening 48. In the modification depicted in FIG. 22 ,the restriction member 44 can be press-fitted in the restriction opening46 and the additional opening 48. The modification depicted in FIG. 22can be applied to the second and third embodiments.

In the modification depicted in FIG. 23 , the restriction member 44 canbe press-fitted in the additional opening 48 while the restrictionmember 44 is provided in the restriction opening 46 without beingpress-fitted in the restriction opening 46. The restriction opening 46is provided to the bracket body 14. The restriction member 44 protrudesfrom the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 in the bracket mountingstate and is configured to be at least partly provided in therestriction opening 46 in the bracket mounting state. In themodification depicted in FIG. 23 , the restriction member 44 can bepress-fitted in the restriction opening 46 while the restriction member44 is provided in the additional opening 48 without being press-fittedin the additional opening 48. In the modification depicted in FIG. 23 ,the restriction member 44 can be press-fitted in the restriction opening46 and the additional opening 48. The modification depicted in FIG. 23can be applied to the second and third embodiments.

In the modification depicted in FIG. 24 , the restriction member 44 isfree of an external thread and the large-diameter body 44C. In a casewhere the restriction member 44 is provided to the bracket body 14 andthe restriction opening 46 is provided to the frame 2A, the restrictionmember 44 is press-fitted in the additional opening 48 of the bracketbody 14 while the restriction member 44 is provided in the restrictionopening 46 of the frame 2A without being press-fitted in the restrictionopening 46. The restriction member 44 protrudes from the bracket body 14in the bracket mounting state and is configured to be at least partlyprovided in the restriction opening 46 in the bracket mounting state. Ina case where the restriction member 44 is provided to the frame 2A andthe restriction opening 46 is provided to the bracket body 14, therestriction member 44 is press-fitted in the additional opening 48 ofthe frame 2A while the restriction member 44 is provided in therestriction opening 46 of the bracket body 14 without being press-fittedin the restriction opening 46. The restriction member 44 protrudes fromthe frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 in the bracket mountingstate and is configured to be at least partly provided in therestriction opening 46 in the bracket mounting state. The restrictionmember 44 can be press-fitted in the restriction opening 46 and theadditional opening 48. At least one of the restriction opening 46 andthe additional opening 48 can include a through-hole if needed and/ordesired.

In the modification depicted in FIGS. 25 and 26 , the restriction member44 is provided in the restriction opening 46 and the additional opening48 without being press-fitted in the restriction opening 46 and theadditional opening 48. The restriction member 44 includes therestriction rod 44B and a large-diameter body 44E. The large-diameterbody 44E is provided at an end of the restriction rod 44B. Therestriction rod 44B extends from the large-diameter body 44E. An outerdiameter of the large-diameter body 44E is larger than an outer diameterof the restriction rod 44B. The outer diameter of the large-diameterbody 44E is larger than the inner diameter of the restriction opening46. The large-diameter body 44E is provided between the bracket body 14and the frame 2A. The bracket body 14 includes a recess 50A. Thelarge-diameter body 44E is at least partly provided in the recess 50A inthe bracket mounting state. The large-diameter body 44E is entirelyprovided in the recess 50A in the bracket mounting state. Thelarge-diameter body 44E can be partly provided in the recess 50A in thebracket mounting state if needed and/or desired. The large-diameter body44E can have shapes such as a flange and at least one pin. In themodification depicted in FIG. 26 , the additional opening 48 has aclosed end, and therefore the large-diameter body 44E can be omittedfrom the restriction member 44 as shown in FIG. 24 if needed and/ordesired.

In the first to third embodiments and the modifications depicted inFIGS. 17 to 26 , the restriction member 44 is a separate member from thebracket body 14 and the frame 2A. As seen in FIGS. 27 and 28 , however,the restriction member 44 can be integrally provided with one of thebracket body 14 and the frame 2A as a one-piece unitary member if neededand/or desired.

In the modification depicted in FIG. 27 , the restriction member 44 isintegrally provided with the bracket body 14 as a one-piece unitarymember. The restriction opening 46 is provided to the frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2. The restriction member 44 protrudes from thebracket body 14 in the bracket mounting state and is configured to be atleast partly provided in the restriction opening 46 in the bracketmounting state. The additional opening 48 is omitted from the bracketbody 14. The restriction member 44 can be provided in the restrictionopening 46 without being press-fitted in the restriction opening 46. Therestriction member 44 can be press-fitted in the restriction opening 46.

In the modification depicted in FIG. 28 , the restriction member 44 isintegrally provided with the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 asa one-piece unitary member. The restriction opening 46 is provided tothe bracket body 14. The restriction member 44 protrudes from the frame2A of the human-powered vehicle 2 in the bracket mounting state and isconfigured to be at least partly provided in the restriction opening 46in the bracket mounting state. The additional opening 48 is omitted fromthe frame 2A. The restriction member 44 can be provided in therestriction opening 46 without being press-fitted in the restrictionopening 46. The restriction member 44 can be press-fitted in therestriction opening 46.

In the first to third embodiments and the modifications depicted inFIGS. 17 to 28 , the frame attachment portion 20 includes the fasteningthreaded hole 20B configured to be threadedly engaged with the bracketfastener 16. The bracket fastener 16 includes the receiving threadedhole 16D configured to be threadedly engaged with the fastening rod 6Aof the hub fastening device 6 configured to fasten the hub assembly 8 tothe frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2. In the modificationdepicted in FIG. 29 , as with the first to third embodiments and themodifications depicted in FIGS. 17 to 28 , the frame attachment portion20 includes the fastening threaded hole 20B configured to be threadedlyengaged with the bracket fastener 16. However, the frame attachmentportion 20 includes a receiving threaded hole 20F configured to bethreadedly engaged with the fastening rod 6A of the hub fastening device6 configured to fasten the hub assembly 8 to the frame 2A of thehuman-powered vehicle 2. The frame attachment opening 20A includes thefastening threaded hole 20B and the receiving threaded hole 20F. Thebracket fastener 16 includes an opening 16F. The opening 16F is free ofa threaded hole. The fastening rod 6A of the hub fastening device 6 canbe provided in the opening 16F. The modification depicted in FIG. 29 canbe applied to the second and third embodiments and the modificationsdepicted in FIGS. 17 to 28 .

In the modification depicted in FIG. 29 , the fastening external thread16A of the bracket fastener 16 has the first thread pitch PT1. Thefastening internal thread 20C of the frame attachment portion 20 has thefirst thread pitch PT1. The receiving threaded hole 20F of the frameattachment portion 20 has a second thread pitch PT22. The first threadpitch PT1 is different from the second thread pitch PT22. The firstthread pitch PT1 is larger than the second thread pitch PT22. However,the first thread pitch PT1 can be equal to or smaller than the secondthread pitch PT22 if needed and/or desired.

In the first to third embodiments and the modifications depicted inFIGS. 17 to 28 , the frame attachment portion 20 includes the fasteningthreaded hole 20B configured to be threadedly engaged with the bracketfastener 16. The bracket fastener 16 includes the receiving threadedhole 16D configured to be threadedly engaged with the fastening rod 6Aof the hub fastening device 6 configured to fasten the hub assembly 8 tothe frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2. In the modificationsdepicted in FIGS. 30 and 31 , however, the bracket fastener 16 includesa fastening threaded hole 16G configured to be threadedly engaged withthe frame attachment portion 20. The frame attachment portion 20includes the receiving threaded hole 20F and a fastening external thread20G. The fastening external thread 20G of the frame attachment portion20 is threadedly engaged with the fastening threaded hole 16G of thebracket fastener 16. The bracket fastener 16 is configured to be atleast partly provided outside the through-hole 2E of the frame 2A toextend in the bracket mounting state where the bracket apparatus 12 ismounted to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2. The frameattachment portion 20 extends through the through-hole of the frame 2A.The frame attachment portion 20 includes the receiving threaded hole 16Dconfigured to be threadedly engaged with the fastening rod 6A of the hubfastening device 6 configured to fasten the hub assembly 8 to the frame2A of the human-powered vehicle 2. In the modification depicted in FIG.30 , the bracket fastener 16 is configured to be entirely providedoutside the through-hole 2E of the frame 2A to extend in the bracketmounting state. In the modification depicted in FIG. 31 , the bracketfastener 16 is configured to be partly provided outside the through-hole2E of the frame 2A to extend in the bracket mounting state. Each of themodifications depicted in FIGS. 30 and 31 can be applied to the secondand third embodiments and the modifications depicted in FIGS. 17 to 28 .

In the modifications depicted in FIGS. 30 and 31 , the fasteningthreaded hole 16G of the bracket fastener 16 has a first thread pitchPT31. The fastening external thread 20G of the frame attachment portion20 has the first thread pitch PT31. The receiving threaded hole 20F ofthe frame attachment portion 20 has the second thread pitch PT22. Thefirst thread pitch PT31 is different from the second thread pitch PT22.The first thread pitch PT31 is larger than the second thread pitch PT22.However, the first thread pitch PT31 can be equal to or smaller than thesecond thread pitch PT22 if needed and/or desired.

In the first to third embodiments and the modifications depicted inFIGS. 17 to 31 , the bracket body 14 is integrally provided as aone-piece unitary member. As seen in FIG. 32 , however, the bracket body14 can include a plurality of separate members if needed and/or desired.In the modification depicted in FIG. 32 , the bracket apparatus 12comprises a bracket body 414 and the restriction member 44. The bracketbody 414 includes a first bracket body 414A and a second bracket body414B. The second bracket body 414B is a separate member from the firstbracket body 414A. The frame attachment portion 20 is provided to atleast one of the first bracket body 414A and the second bracket body414B. The derailleur attachment portion 22 is provided to at least oneof the first bracket body 414A and the second bracket body 414B. Thecomponent attachment portion 24 is provided to at least one of the firstbracket body 414A and the second bracket body 414B. The frame attachmentportion 20 is provided to the first bracket body 414A and the secondbracket body 414B. The derailleur attachment portion 22 is provided tothe first bracket body 414A. The component attachment portion 24 isprovided to the first bracket body 414A and the second bracket body414B. The first bracket body 414A and the second bracket body 414B areconfigured to hold the frame 2A between the first bracket body 414A andthe second bracket body 414B in the bracket mounting state. The frameattachment portion 20 has the frame attachment opening 20A. The frameattachment portion 20 has an additional frame attachment opening 420A.The frame attachment opening 20A is provided to the first bracket body414A. The additional frame attachment opening 420A is provided to thesecond bracket body 414B. The frame attachment opening 20A is configuredto be threadedly engaged with the bracket fastener 16. The bracketfastener 16 extends through the additional frame attachment opening 420Ain a state where the bracket fastener 16 is threadedly engaged with theframe attachment opening 20A. The bracket body 414 includes thederailleur attachment portion 22 to which the derailleur 4 is to beattached. The derailleur attachment portion 22 has the derailleurattachment opening 22A. The derailleur attachment opening 22A isprovided to the first bracket body 414A. The component attachmentportion 24 has the component attachment opening 24A. The componentattachment portion 24 has an additional component attachment opening424A. The component attachment opening 24A is provided to the firstbracket body 414A. The additional component attachment opening 424A isprovided to the second bracket body 414B. The component attachmentopening 24A is configured to be threadedly engaged with the componentfastener 30. The component fastener 30 extends through the additionalcomponent attachment opening 424A in a state where the componentfastener 30 is threadedly engaged with the component attachment opening24A. The component bracket 32 is held between the first bracket body414A and the second bracket body 414B in the component mounting state.The bracket body 414 includes the additional opening 48 and an opening448. The additional opening 48 is provided to the first bracket body414A. The opening 448 is provided to the second bracket body 414B. Theadditional opening 48 is configured to be threadedly engaged with therestriction member 44. The restriction member 44 extends through theopening 448 in a state where the restriction member 44 is threadedlyengaged with the additional opening 48. The structures described anddepicted in the first to third embodiments and the modificationsdepicted in FIGS. 17 to 31 can be applied to the modification depictedin FIG. 32 . The modification depicted in FIG. 32 can be applied to thefirst to third embodiments and the modifications depicted in FIGS. 17 to31 .

In the modification depicted in FIG. 32 , the component attachmentportion 24 can be omitted from the bracket body 414 if needed and/ordesired. Instead, as seen in FIG. 33 , the bracket fastener 16 caninclude a plurality of fasteners configured to fasten the bracket body414 to the frame 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2. In the modificationdepicted in FIG. 33 , the bracket fastener 16 includes a plurality offasteners 416A and 416B configured to fasten the bracket body 414 to theframe 2A of the human-powered vehicle 2. The frame attachment opening20A of the frame attachment portion 20 includes a first frame attachmentopening 20A1 and a second frame attachment opening 20A2. The additionalframe attachment opening 420A of the frame attachment portion 20includes a first additional frame attachment opening 420A1 and a secondadditional frame attachment opening 420A2. The first frame attachmentopening 20A1 and the second frame attachment opening 20A2 are providedto the first bracket body 414A. The first additional frame attachmentopening 420A1 and the second additional frame attachment opening 420A2are provided to the second bracket body 414B. The first frame attachmentopening 20A1 is configured to be threadedly engaged with the fastener416A. The fastener 416A extends through the first additional frameattachment opening 420A1 in a state where the fastener 416A isthreadedly engaged with the first frame attachment opening 20A1. Thefastener 416B extends through the second additional frame attachmentopening 420A2 in a state where the fastener 416B is threadedly engagedwith the second frame attachment opening 20A2.

In the first to third embodiments and the modifications depicted inFIGS. 17 to 33 , the frame attachment portion 20 includes one of anexternal thread and an internal thread which are engaged with each otherwhile the bracket fastener 16 includes the other of the external threadand the internal thread. However, the frame attachment portion 20 andthe bracket fastener 16 can include other coupling structures such as asnap-fit structure and a bayonet structure.

In the first to third embodiments and the modifications depicted inFIGS. 17 to 33 , the restriction member 44 and the restriction opening46 are spaced apart from the frame attachment portion 20. As seen inFIGS. 34 to 38 , however, the restriction member 44 and the restrictionopening 46 can be provided to the frame attachment portion 20. In themodifications depicted in FIGS. 34 to 38 , the restriction member 44 isprovided radially outwardly of the tubular part 20E of the frameattachment portion 20. The restriction member 44 has an outline having afirst distance DS1 and a second distance DS2 defined radially outwardlyfrom the frame attachment center axis A1. The first distance DS1 isdifferent from the second distance DS2. The restriction opening 46 has ashape which is complementary with the outline of the restriction member44.

As seen in FIG. 34 , the restriction member 44 has a polygonal outlinehaving the first distance DS1 and the second distance DS2. Therestriction member 44 has a rectangular outline having the firstdistance DS1 and the second distance DS2. The restriction member 44protrudes radially outwardly from the tubular part 20E of the frameattachment portion 20. The restriction member 44 extendscircumferentially about the tubular part 20E to surround the tubularpart 20E. The restriction opening 46 has a shape which is complementarywith the polygonal outline of the restriction member 44. Thethrough-hole 2E of the frame 2A includes the restriction opening 46. Theshape of the outline of the restriction member 44 is not limited to therectangular outline. The restriction member 44 can have a polygonaloutline other than the rectangular outline. The shape of the restrictionmember 44 is not limited to the polygonal outline.

As seen in FIG. 35 , the restriction member 44 has an oval outlinehaving the first distance DS1 and the second distance DS2. Therestriction member 44 protrudes radially outwardly from the tubular part20E of the frame attachment portion 20. The restriction member 44extends circumferentially about the tubular part 20E to surround thetubular part 20E. The restriction opening 46 has a shape which iscomplementary with the oval outline of the restriction member 44. Thethrough-hole 2E of the frame 2A includes the restriction opening 46. Theshape of the outline of the restriction member 44 is not limited to theoval outline.

As seen in FIG. 36 , the restriction member 44 has a polygonal outlinehaving the first distance DS1 and the second distance DS2. Therestriction member 44 has a rectangular outline having the firstdistance DS1 and the second distance DS2. The restriction member 44protrudes radially outwardly from the tubular part 20E of the frameattachment portion 20. The restriction opening 46 has a shape which iscomplementary with the polygonal outline of the restriction member 44.The shape of the outline of the restriction member 44 is not limited tothe rectangular outline. The restriction member 44 can have a polygonaloutline other than the rectangular outline. The shape of the outline ofthe restriction member 44 is not limited to the polygonal outline. Atotal number of the protruding portion of the restriction member 44 isnot limited to the illustrated modification. The restriction member 44can include a plurality of protruding portions if needed and/or desired.The restriction opening 46 can include a plurality of openings in whichthe plurality of protruding portions is provided if needed and/ordesired.

As seen in FIG. 37 , the restriction member 44 has a polygonal outlinehaving the first distance DS1 and the second distance DS2. Therestriction member 44 has a rectangular outline having the firstdistance DS1 and the second distance DS2. The restriction member 44 isprovided to the frame 2A. The restriction opening 46 is provided to theframe attachment portion 20. The restriction member 44 protrudesradially outwardly from an inner peripheral surface of the through-hole2E of the frame 2A. The restriction opening 46 has a shape which iscomplementary with the polygonal outline of the restriction member 44.The shape of the outline of the restriction member 44 is not limited tothe polygonal outline. A total number of the protruding portion of therestriction member 44 is not limited to the illustrated modification.The restriction member 44 can include a plurality of protruding portionsif needed and/or desired. The restriction opening 46 can include aplurality of openings in which the plurality of protruding portions isprovided if needed and/or desired.

In the present application, the term “comprising” and its derivatives,as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify thepresence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers,and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstatedfeatures, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. Thisconcept also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, the terms“have,” “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member,” “section,” “portion,” “part,” “element,” “body” and“structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement,” and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of,” as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be usedinterchangeably herein.

The phrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “one ormore” of a desired choice. For one example, the phrase “at least one of”as used in this disclosure means “only one single choice” or “both oftwo choices” if the number of its choices is two. For other example, thephrase “at least one of” as used in this disclosure means “only onesingle choice” or “any combination of equal to or more than two choices”if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three. Forinstance, the phrase “at least one of A and B” encompasses (1) A alone,(2), B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B,and C” encompasses (1) A alone, (2), B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both Aand B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all A, B, and C. Inother words, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “atleast one of A and at least one of B” in this disclosure.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.All of numerical values described in the present application can beconstrued as including the terms such as “substantially,” “about” and“approximately.”

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bracket apparatus for mounting a derailleur toa frame of a human-powered vehicle, the bracket apparatus comprising: aframe attachment portion; a derailleur attachment portion spaced apartfrom the frame attachment portion; and a component attachment portionspaced apart from the frame attachment portion and the derailleurattachment portion.
 2. The bracket apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the frame attachment portion has a frame attachment openingconfigured to be coaxial with a hub axle of a hub assembly in a bracketmounting state where the bracket apparatus is mounted to the frame ofthe human-powered vehicle.
 3. The bracket apparatus according to claim1, wherein the derailleur attachment portion has a derailleur attachmentopening configured to be coaxial with a derailleur fastener in aderailleur mounting state where the derailleur is mounted to the bracketapparatus.
 4. The bracket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thecomponent attachment portion has a component attachment openingconfigured to be coaxial with a component fastener in a componentmounting state where a component is mounted to the bracket apparatus. 5.The bracket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the componentattachment portion is configured to be attached to an electric device.6. The bracket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frameattachment portion is configured to be at least partly disposed betweenthe frame of the human-powered vehicle and a hub axle of a hub assemblyin an axial direction with respect to a center axis of the hub axle. 7.The bracket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the componentattachment portion is configured to form a space between the componentattachment portion and the frame of the human-powered vehicle in abracket mounting state where the bracket apparatus is mounted to theframe of the human-powered vehicle, and at least one of a componentbracket configured to mount a component to the component attachmentportion and the component configured to be mounted to the componentattachment portion is at least partly disposed in the space in acomponent mounting state where the component is mounted to the bracketapparatus.
 8. The bracket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one ofthe derailleur attachment portion and the component attachment portionis disposed on an opposite side of the other of the derailleurattachment portion and the component attachment portion with respect tothe frame attachment portion.
 9. The bracket apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a bracket body; and a bracket fastenerconfigured to fasten the bracket body to the frame of the human-poweredvehicle.
 10. The bracket apparatus according to claim 9, wherein thebracket fastener is configured to fasten the frame attachment portion tothe frame of the human-powered vehicle.
 11. The bracket apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the frame attachment portion includes afastening threaded hole configured to be threadedly engaged with thebracket fastener.
 12. The bracket apparatus according to claim 11,wherein the bracket fastener includes a receiving threaded holeconfigured to be threadedly engaged with a fastening rod of a hubfastening device configured to fasten a hub assembly to the frame of thehuman-powered vehicle.
 13. The bracket apparatus according to claim 9,wherein the frame attachment portion includes a fastening threaded holeconfigured to be threadedly engaged with the bracket fastener.
 14. Thebracket apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the frame attachmentportion includes a receiving threaded hole configured to be threadedlyengaged with a fastening rod of a hub fastening device configured tofasten a hub assembly to the frame of the human-powered vehicle.
 15. Thebracket apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the bracket fastenerincludes a fastening threaded hole configured to be threadedly engagedwith the frame attachment portion, the bracket fastener is configured tobe at least partly provided outside a through-hole of the frame in abracket mounting state where the bracket apparatus is mounted to theframe of the human-powered vehicle, and the frame attachment portionextends through the through-hole of the frame.
 16. The bracket apparatusaccording to claim 15, wherein the frame attachment portion includes areceiving threaded hole configured to be threadedly engaged with afastening rod of a hub fastening device configured to fasten a hubassembly to the frame of the human-powered vehicle.
 17. The bracketapparatus according to claim 9, wherein the bracket body includes atleast one of the frame attachment portion, the derailleur attachmentportion, and the component attachment portion.
 18. The bracket apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the bracket body includes a restrictionopening in which a restriction member is configured to be at leastpartly provided to restrict a rotation of the bracket body relative tothe frame of the human-powered vehicle in a bracket mounting state wherethe bracket apparatus is mounted to the frame of the human-poweredvehicle.
 19. The bracket apparatus according to claim 18, wherein therestriction opening has a receiving center axis, the frame attachmentportion has a frame attachment opening having a frame attachment centeraxis, the component attachment portion has a component attachmentopening having a component attachment center axis, and the receivingcenter axis is provided between the frame attachment center axis and thecomponent attachment center axis.
 20. The bracket apparatus according toclaim 18, wherein the restriction opening has a receiving center axis,the derailleur attachment portion has a derailleur attachment openinghaving a derailleur attachment center axis, the component attachmentportion has a component attachment opening having a component attachmentcenter axis, and the receiving center axis is provided between thederailleur attachment center axis and the component attachment centeraxis.
 21. The bracket apparatus according to claim 18, wherein therestriction opening has a receiving center axis, the frame attachmentportion has a frame attachment opening having a frame attachment centeraxis, the derailleur attachment portion has a derailleur attachmentopening having a derailleur attachment center axis, and the receivingcenter axis is provided between the frame attachment center axis and thederailleur attachment center axis.
 22. The bracket apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the frame attachment portion is integrally providedwith at least one of the derailleur attachment portion and the componentattachment portion as a one-piece unitary member.
 23. The bracketapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame attachment portion hasa frame attachment opening having a frame attachment center axis, thederailleur attachment portion has a derailleur attachment opening havinga derailleur attachment center axis, the component attachment portionhas a component attachment opening having a component attachment centeraxis, and the frame attachment center axis, the derailleur attachmentcenter axis, and the component attachment center axis are offset fromeach other.
 24. The bracket apparatus according to claim 23, wherein theframe attachment center axis, the derailleur attachment center axis, andthe component attachment center axis extend along each other.
 25. Thebracket apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the bracket bodyincludes a first bracket body and a second bracket body, the secondbracket body is a separate member from the first bracket body, the frameattachment portion is provided to at least one of the first bracket bodyand the second bracket body, and the derailleur attachment portion isprovided to at least one of the first bracket body and the secondbracket body.
 26. The bracket apparatus according to claim 9, whereinthe bracket fastener includes a plurality of fasteners configured tofasten the bracket body to the frame of the human-powered vehicle.
 27. Abracket assembly comprising: the bracket apparatus according to claim 1;and a component bracket configured to mount a component to the bracketapparatus.
 28. The bracket assembly according to claim 27, furthercomprising: the component configured to be mounted to the bracketapparatus via the component bracket, the component including an electricdevice.
 29. The bracket assembly according to claim 28, wherein thecomponent is configured to be adjustably attached to the bracketapparatus.
 30. The bracket assembly according to claim 27, furthercomprising a component fastener configured to fasten the componentbracket to the bracket apparatus.